Border Bulldogs in must-win clashes
BORDER Bulldogs face a defining moment within two weeks as they aim to qualify for the quarterfinals of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge competition.
The Bulldogs were soundly beaten by Western Province in their last match, dragging them into a fight for the second automatic qualification spot along with the Eastern Province Kings and Boland Kavaliers.
“These are very important matches for us. It is a big two weeks coming up and we have to put in a huge effort to get us to the knockouts,” said Bulldogs coach David Dobela.
Border scored first in the Province match, crossing over in the opening five minutes, but could not find their way over the try line again as the visitors ran in six unanswered tries.
“I was not disappointed with the score. It wasn't a true reflection as they scored 21 points in the last nine minutes, when we were a man down, so we were still in it before that,” said Dobela.
Border, however, should be happy with the enthusiastic response from the fans for the game in Mdantsane as 14 023 people filled up the 15 000seater stadium and cheered the team on until the end.
“It was amazing. We really enjoyed taking the rugby to Mdantsane,” said Dobela.
“I really hope we can take more games there in the season, and also to other places around the Border region, because I think it is a great thing to take rugby to the people.”
The loss to Province, along with the Kings’ bonus point win over the South Western District Eagles means the Bulldogs sit second, just a point above the Kings and four ahead of the Kavaliers, who have a game in hand.
“Slipping up in that game against Boland two weeks ago has made things difficult for us,” conceded Dobela.
“But I think the team have learnt from the last two games and they will make a response this week.”
Coming up on Friday night the Bulldogs head into a huge clash against the Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George at 7pm.
The Eagles have yet to win in the competition this season and pushed the Kings close this past weekend, so they will be desperate for a win and will be up for the match.
“The Eagles will be extremely tough. They played well against EP and they have a heavy pack of forwards and good backs, so we will have to be at our best against them,” said Dobela.
With the Kavaliers taking on Province in the other match on the weekend, the Bulldogs should keep hold of second spot, even if they lose the match, as a Boland win is very unlikely.
However, it would still leave the Kavaliers and the Kings, who have the weekend off, both with a game in hand over the Bulldogs and the chance to pass them. Thus to guarantee progress the Bulldogs need to win their last two matches.
“Our destiny is still in our hands. If we win our next two [games] we make the quarterfinals,” said Dobela.
“They are going to be tough games, so we will have to do our home work.
“But first up is this weekend’s match and we are going for a full set of points.”
Following this weekend’s match Border head back home to take on the EP Kings at the Buffalo City Metro Stadium next week Thursday, which could be a season defining game for both sides.
“It is going to be massive. I think they will load there team with Super Rugby players, so it will be very tough for us,” said Dobela.
“It will be a massive home derby and anything can happen in it.”